TROPICS: Disturbance in south-central Atlantic may become Ernesto soon

TROPICS: Disturbance in south-central Atlantic may become Ernesto soon

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – A disturbance we’ve been monitoring as it tracks west through the south-central Atlantic this week is becoming better organized and has a 60 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within the next two days, according to the National Hurricane Center. This disturbance is tracking west at 15 to 20 mph over very warm ocean waters. Here is a look at the system, with the various tropical forecast model tracks displaying the potential future track of what will likely become our next named system of the 2012 Atlantic Cyclone Season, “Ernesto.”

Check out the Sea Surface Temperatures of the water over which this system will pass. These very warm temperatures (greater than 80 degrees Fahrenheit) will provide ample “fuel” for intensification and maintenance.

On this first day of August, it’s as if the power-switch has been turned on, right on cue as we enter that rapid rise in historical tropical activity during August, September, and tapering off in early October.

The American Red Cross also released a new iPhone and Android app for free, simply called “Hurricanes.” This app is designed to help users learn about and prepare for tropical systems. The app uses the smart phone’s current location by GPS tracking to send real-time hurricane alerts, no matter where you are along the U.S. coast. Hurricane history is also available for those who want to delve into past storms.

“We want everyone to be to be ready for hurricanes,” said Jonathan McNamara, regional director of donor and media relations for the American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region “The Red Cross Hurricane App allows people to receive and spread emergency information and to share their own status with friends and loved ones through social networks, anywhere, anytime.”